Thursday, July 26

Kittyhawk's new F-5F “Tiger II” with two new pilots and a access ladder coming at August.

Kittyhawk has shown us more of their new F-5F “Tiger II” that is coming at Agust. The addition of the colour schemes and the two pilot crew and access ladder are nice additions to a kit that is already doing very well with the modelling public. See the schemes and the pilots in our preview...

The new Tiger II two-seater version of is almost upon us. Kittyhawk is trying to add value to their models with the addition fo plenty of colour schemes and two resin pilots to the boxing and we show you what they look like in our preview - but first - a little about how the F-5F differs from its one-seater sibling...

The Northrop F-5F Tiger IIThe F-5F was the two-seat combat trainer version of the F-5E Tiger II. Northrop had not originally planned to offer a two-seat version of the Tiger II, but after initial flight tests, it became clear that the performance of the F-5E was so much greater than that of the F-5A that a trainer version of the Tiger II would be appropriate. On May 15, 1973, the Air Force gained Congressional approval to examine Northrop's proposal for a two-seat version of the Tiger II.

An entirely new two-seat forward fuselage was developed. Instead of squeezing in the second crew member by simply pushing the front cockpit further forward in the nose (as had been done in the T-38 and F-5B), the entire fuselage was lengthened by 3 feet 6 1/2 inches. The AN/APQ-159 fire control system was retained, which enabled the aircraft to be used for both training and combat duties. However, in order to fit in the radar, it was necessary to delete one (the starboard) of the 20-mm cannon and to reduce the ammunition capacity to only 140 rounds. (Since a barrel-like ram air intake projected from the starboard cannon port, some have suggested that the starboard cannon was actually fitted to the F-5F, which is untrue).

Aside from the deletion of the second 20-mm cannon, the F-5F retained the full combat capability of the single-seat F-5E. However, only the front cockpit was fitted with the lead computing optical sight system. The provision was made for the addition of ballast weights underneath the rear fuselage forward of the jet exhaust to compensate for the extra length of the nose. Wing fences were positioned at wing mid-span.

Development of the F-5F was approved by the USAF in early 1974, with the first flight (by 73-0889) taking place at Edwards AFB on September 25, 1974, with Northrop test pilot Dick Thomas at the controls. Two F-5Fs completed flight test and qualification in early 1976.

The F-5F was slightly heavier than the F-5E and had a slightly inferior takeoff performance. First deliveries began in the summer of 1976. A total of 140 F-5Fs were built by Northrop.

Armament: Armed with one 20-mm M39A2 cannon with 140 rounds in the fuselage nose. Two AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles could be carried at the wingtips.

Five pylons, one under the fuselage centerline and four under the wings that can carry up to 7000 pounds of ordnance or fuel tanks.

This model from Kittyhawk

This kit is very tied to its one seat counterpart, with a new forward fuselage and the addition of

We just received some pictures of the added features of this kit - with two pilot figures and the crew access ladder included also in cream resin. There is one fellow checking his flight schedule or map, while the other fellow is getting into his cockpit via the resin ladder that is included.

Here they are at a distance...

A closer look at the pilots in and accessing the cockpit.

Lastly, a look at the colours of the new kit - with some well-known schemes n there what we think people will like - NINE schemes in all make this a pretty good addition to the box don't you think?

Keep the dial tuned here and we will let you know more as soon as we do until then check out the Kittyhawk website for any other info on their other kits...